Match of the Week: Esker stroll into next round of cup

ESKER CELTIC strolled into round two of this seasons LFA Junior Shield when they defeated Blackforge FC 5-1 in Willsbrook Park, and that was after they fell behind early on.

There is no doubt that when they made a comeback, with two goals just before half time, they looked like they would go on and win.

In what was a good game the Forge went in front inside five minutes, when Luke Kelly capitalised on a poor clearance and set Jamie Stears up for a chance he was never going to miss.

It could easily have been 2-0 at the midway point in the half, only Felipe Silva saw his centre come off the crossbar and away to safety.

However, Esker breathed a sigh of relief and after a couple of smart saves by Forge keeper Jordan Bowden they finally levelled the tie.

On 35 minutes Ben Quinn sent in a corner from the left that saw Robert Bolton rise above everyone and head home, and before the Forge could regather they were behind when Callum Jones fired home a superb free kick.

Blackforge FC scored early on but Esker came back to win the game

The home side had a spring in their step when the game resumed after the break and could have been 3-1 up only Jones blazed his effort over an open goal, while at the other end Felipe Silva saw his effort well saved.

But Esker didn’t have to wait long for their third and again it was a corner that did the damage, as Ruari Connolly sent the ball over for Darren Barr to head home.

Esker Celtic overcame Blackforge FC 5-1 to go through to round two of the LFA junior shield in Willsbrook Park

The visitors play began to become a bit erratic and Esker were only too happy to take advantage, and when they added another two to round things off it was really no surprise.

Ravi Mangan bagged their fourth when he cut in from the left hand side and slipped the ball past a helpless Bowden, while, with time running out, Bolton got his second of the game when he robbed a defender of the ball and slotted home.

ESKER CELTIC: C. Cockburn, R. Connolly, B. Quinn, D. Barr, E. Carolan, L. Tracey, E. Murphy, R. Bolton, J. Kearns, C. Jones, Z. Khan, S. Imran, R, Mangana, L. Spollero, J. Molloy, B. Bikoro, A. Kelly, R. Maher.

BLACKFORGE FC: J. Bowben, L. Hill, J. Santos, L. Kelly, K. Dunne, J. Grey, J. Pedro, J. Fagan, F. Silva, J. Stears, R. Mills, L. Lyons, J. McSrone, R. Vieira.

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